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2012 Audi S4 Premium Plus: Review notes: For the times when the A4 isn't enough

May 23, 2012

1 of 4The 2012 Audi S4 is powered by a supercharged V6.

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2 of 4A side view of the 2012 Audi S4.

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3 of 4A rear view of the 2012 Audi S4.

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4 of 4The supercharged V6 in the 2012 Audi S4.

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EDITOR WES RAYNAL: Sometimes I think I'd be perfectly happy in an A4 Avant with the 2.0-liter turbo and paddle shifters. Then I drive an S4 and fall in lust all over again.

This 2012 Audi S4's combination of power and grace is just the ticket for me. The engine is so flexible, and the seats are just a little huggier than standard A4 seats-I just like the combo.

There's not a single hiccup as one rolls on the power, and the engine is so potent that you barely have to shift. I applaud Audi's move from V8 to this supercharged V6, though it's been a while now-it's not really news anymore.

I found myself in auto mode most often on the suspension settings-the soft felt too soft and the hard (Audi calls it Dynamic) was too hard. Auto mode made the car feel connected to the road without beating the hell out of me. The interior is typical of Audi, well screwed together with good materials, and it's comfortable.

Much to road test editor Jon Wong's dismay, I'd get mine with DSG. Otherwise, I'll take it just like this.

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: A night in the S4 makes me wistful for our former long-termer. The power is impressive, the chassis is sporty and tight yet not abusive, and the six-speed manual makes for interactive, long throws that please the driver and return an engaging sense of serenity.

The cabin is beautiful, with contrasting colors and pleasing materials. It's well-laid out, relaxed and athletic in appearance. I opened the sunroof and let some brisk air inside, bringing me close to car catharsis. The S4 has the right jewelry, including the blinged-out headlights and classy wheels, which are set off by the generally understated sheetmetal.

This supercharged six is dreamy. The pedals are nicely placed, and the steering returns plenty of feedback.

This car is loaded up rather well, so I have no quibble with the price. The S4 is the kind of car that makes Audi competitive with sport-seeking luxury buyers. And it's a heck of a lot of fun.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: All I needed was a few minutes behind the wheel of this 2012 Audi S4 Premium Plus to realize just how much I miss our departed S4 long-termer. This is a terrific car for getting out on the highway and dropping the hammer. It sounds great, with supercharger induction noise followed by a nice exhaust growl. The clutch and shifter are both spot-on, with the clutch engagement high on the pedal travel, and the shifter action is tight with no sloppiness.

This is a terrific engine, and while some have commented about maybe wanting a paddle-shifter, I'd want this car with the old-school manual tranny. In a car like this, it seems to add to the driving pleasure, snapping off quick upshifts or matching-rev downshifts. The responsiveness of this car-whether it's from the quick throttle response to quick turning to brakes that could seemingly detach your retinas-just adds to its overall fun factor.

Spend an hour or so behind the wheel, and the $50,000 price tag seems downright cheap.

For more information: Check out the 2012 Audi S4 Premium Plus at shopautoweek.com.

Wes Raynal
- Wes Raynal joined Crain Communications’ circulation department while still in college. When he graduated in 1986, he became a reporter for Autoweek sister publication Automotive News. He has worked as Autoweek’s associate editor, news editor, motorsports editor and executive editor before being named editor in 2009.
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